Bowed Tailgate 61 Shortbed
Lead Gopher
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 10,065
Likes: 1,615
From: Seattle
I've used a 30-ton press before. Support the ends of the gate on large blocks of wood with the bow upward and press down in the middle. I have had to go a little past the sweet spot before since as you let up on the pressure from the press it wants to spring back some. I strapped the gate to the blocks of wood on either end so it couldn't tip since I was only pushing on the top edge, too.
Chad
Chad
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 106
Likes: 1
I've used a 30-ton press before. Support the ends of the gate on large blocks of wood with the bow upward and press down in the middle. I have had to go a little past the sweet spot before since as you let up on the pressure from the press it wants to spring back some. I strapped the gate to the blocks of wood on either end so it couldn't tip since I was only pushing on the top edge, too.
Chad
Chad
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,480
Likes: 6
From: Great White North
The word "tube" you are using is suggesting to me that you have a Flareside tailgate. Chad's idea is good however, I would consider slipping another bar of metal inside your "tube" as a snug fit. This second tube will help prevent kinking the tailgate tube when pressing down on it.
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,935
Likes: 4,123
From: Angier, NC
The used gate I got for my 81 flare side also had a bow.
I placed the gate on the floor and used 2x4's at either end and "I" was able to "bounce" (250+ lb) a little in the center to get it flat.
I also had a long level to check if it was flat or needed a little more "bounce".
Its working for me.
I don't thing this could be done to a style side gate.
Dave ----
I placed the gate on the floor and used 2x4's at either end and "I" was able to "bounce" (250+ lb) a little in the center to get it flat.
I also had a long level to check if it was flat or needed a little more "bounce".
Its working for me.
I don't thing this could be done to a style side gate.
Dave ----
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 106
Likes: 1
The used gate I got for my 81 flare side also had a bow.
I placed the gate on the floor and used 2x4's at either end and "I" was able to "bounce" (250+ lb) a little in the center to get it flat.
I also had a long level to check if it was flat or needed a little more "bounce".
Its working for me.
I don't thing this could be done to a style side gate.
Dave ----
I placed the gate on the floor and used 2x4's at either end and "I" was able to "bounce" (250+ lb) a little in the center to get it flat.
I also had a long level to check if it was flat or needed a little more "bounce".
Its working for me.
I don't thing this could be done to a style side gate.
Dave ----
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